Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Summer Throwdown Guest Post - Megan

Megan from YA? Why Not?representing the
League of Librarians. Let me start with congratulations to Team Teacher, the
winner of Round 2. Tie-breaker anyone?

I have had so much fun participating in both of the Summer
Throwdowns. I do love a challenge. For Round 2 I set a personal goal of 15
books, which I made…barely. Not too shabby. I read some awesome books.

Here are
some of my favorites:

Favorite Graphic Novel:

Locke & Key vol. 5: Clockworks by Joe
Hill. I have recently discovered this series and it is very nicely filling the
void left by Fables by Bill Willingham and The Walking Dead by
Robert Kirkman. This complex and riveting story follows the Locke family and
their return to their father’s childhood home, a creepy old mansion called
Lovecraft. Magic, mystery, and horror await them as they explore their new
home. Brilliant writing, brilliant illustrations. I highly recommend this one.

Favorite Non-YA:

Broken Harbor by Tana French. This is the fourth book in the Dublin Murder Squad series and quite
possibly my favorite. These psychologically intense mysteries are very
character driven and I love the vivid Irish settings. Each book in the series
works well as a standalone and they do not need to be read in order.

Favorite Standalone:

52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody. I will admit
that in my head Lexington Larrabee sounded an awful lot like Alicia Silverstone
in Clueless. This was a perfect
summer read-cute, clever, hilarious, and some kissing.

Favorite Books in a Series:

Insurgent by Veronica Roth. Loved it. This one was full of
surprises and twists and turns. Um, that ending? Hello, crazy!

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare. I am going to honest
here. I was kind of annoyed when she decided to turn her totally awesome trilogy into a six book series. That
annoyance may have played a part in me feeling just a little “meh” about book
4. Ms. Clare totally redeemed herself in my eyes with this latest installment.
I am back on board and eager for more!

There you have it, my five favorite books of the Summer
Throwdown, Round 2. I can’t wait to check out some of the other fabulous books
read by my team mates and opponents! And let me know about that tie –breaker…

I loved both Insurgent and City of Lost Souls!! I actually picked up the first book right when the fourth book came out, so I didn't even realize that it had originally been a trilogy until much later. Nonetheless, I didn't really like the fourth book, but really ended up enjoying COLS! Unfortunately, the next book comes out in March 2014. :P I also read 52 Reasons this summer, and really liked it! It was such a fun book.